Here are a few points mentioned
by the sheikh that I am listing for the benefit of those who may not have
read/seen the interview:

(1) He and other scholars did not
go there to save the statues as has been propagated, but "to meet those
brothers" and to assist Taliban in their problems. Qaradawi spelled the
difficulties they are facing in some detail. The statues were 90% destroyed
before they even went, so how could they have gone to save them?(2) This was not the first time
he went to Afghanistan, he has been there before to make peace between
warring factions.(3) One of the reasons he mentioned
for destroying the statues was Taliban fear that outsiders might come to
Afghanistan and worship them...Qaradawi actually said they were seen being
worshipped! Qaradawi did not criticise the action of the Taleban, rather
he considered their act Islamically legitimate, but was concerned about
its timing and effect on Muslim minorities in Buddhist and other non-Muslim
countries. He gave evidences to show that a legitimate act might be delayed
because of the consequences it might produce.(4) It seems he had a change of
heart after visiting the country as he said, 'listening is not like seeing.'
He praised Taliban and their dedication to Shariah, but, he commented,
they are living more in the past than in the present. In response to a
question, he confirmed they are Hanafi and not Wahhabi!(5) He was against the sanctions
imposed on them and called West hypocrite for not raising their voice on
al-Aqsa and Babri Masjid, etc, but on these statues. He also said those
who co-operate in imposing these sanctions are sinful unless they are powerless.(6) He said Taleban have not touched
the idols of Sikhs and Hindus as they are protected as Ahl ul-Dhimma by
the Islamic Law.(7) Qaradawi said Qatari rep agreed
to open an institute for teaching Arabic with aid of $50,000 in Afghanistan
at Taliban request and Arabic instructors will be provided.

(8) Qaradawi confirmed the Taliban
have NOT prohibited women from getting education and they are not against
women's education, but they are limited for resources. He gave the story
of a Western diplomat who visited the Taliban rep in Pakistan and complained
about this issue. When the Taliban rep asked for money to open schools
for women, the diplomat never showedback! He mentioned that Mulla Omar
is taking steps for educating boys and girls in masajid using the local
imams and khatibs as instructors. Qaradawi also found out that they have
medical colleges where some 1200 women are studying. Some Westerners
are teaching because they do not have qualified staff of their own.

(9) A very important point mentioned
by Qaradawi was that the Muslims in Afghanistan before Taliban had disfigured
the faces of these statues (apparently not being able to destroy them completely).
He also gave Shariah evidence for this action.